Lead guitarist, Kanami Tono, is also the main composer. Rhythm guitarist, Miku Kobato, is the band founder & writes all the lyrics with input from vocalist, Saiki Atsume. Kanami typically writes some melody & riffs and passes that off to the others. Bassist MISA and Akane then contribute their parts. Their songs are very much a collaborative effort. In recent interviews, MISA and Saiki have expressed a desire to try their hand at composing which would be interesting. Saiki has been described as the control tower, kind of a quality control overseer. Someone below already mentioned how MISA hides her pick behind her index finger to switch from picking to fingering or slapping. I believe Kanami does something similar to switch from picking to tapping & back. Miku did not know how to play guitar when she formed the band. She was taught by Kanami and basically learned on the job.

This is a band for musicians. Anyone can enjoy them, but musicians really have a lot to appreciate.

Finally someone mentioning the guitar harmonizing with the vocals, thank you!

Band Maid songs are like journeys. They take you different places within the same song. As you'll notice, and people have said, the more you listen to their songs, you'll see the 2nd verse is never the same as the 1st verse instrument wise. They are constantly changing the song up as it progresses. Also, MISA! MISA! MISA!

We are MAIDIACS! We like to see when another MAIDIAC is created just by listening to these ladies. People who appreciate musical talent love this band. Miku Kobato - RHYTHM GUITAR - plays Zemaitis C24MF (Zemaitis Endorsement - with a Signature Guitar called Flappy Pigeon) - EVH Amps - Writes the lyrics - Has only been playing guitar for about 7 years. Was the singer but took a back seat voluntarily! KANAMI TONO - LEAD GUITAR - plays PRS Custom 24 (PRS Endorsement) - Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier. - Writes the music (one interview she states that she has a database - 2 years worth?!?!) Misa - BASS GUITAR plays Black Cloud "Smoker" and Privat Reserve (SG Style) bass - (Black Cloud Endorsement) Orange AB200B MKIII Amps Akane Hirose - DRUMS - Plays TAMA drums with Zildjian Cymbals - Roland KD-A22 (Possibly an Endorsement with TAMA and ROLAND) Saiki - VOCALS - Sennheiser microphones and DPA Microphones The Bass Player MISA plays with a pick and slaps in the same song and changes from one to the other very quickly! From a radio interview - - (Chris): What amazed me most about your play style is the changing of picking to slapping, and then picking again so smoothly. Some bassists may throw their picks away to slap, but you use the same pick when you change from slapping to picking again, right? (Misa): No, I don't throw my pick away. I have become better as I practiced. For the recent 2-3 years, I haven't lost any pick. (Chris): Show me how. (Misa): I keep the pick with my index finger and palm. (Chris): Then you slap the bass with your thumb and middle finger? Can you show me how you play? (then Misa shows how) (Misa): Because I've been practicing these days, I can change faster than ever. (Chris): You are mixing them up! That's awesome! (Misa): I think anybody can do it if you practice. If you get this far try BLOOMING!

Their musicality & musicianship are off the chain, I love this band❤😎

Misa palms the pick when she slaps. Check out the solo on their live performance of Domination. You can see her pinch the pick between her finger and palm when she slaps and gets it back out to pick and then back to slapping. They focus on her hands in the video.

The pure talent and charisma of Band Maid is undeniable! 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂

Band Maid bring joy and reviving Hard Rock since 2013

KANAMI (Lead guitar, Composer, Main arranger) is genius. Misa (B) and AKANE (D) arrange their parts.

MISA(bass player) quickly hides the pick in her index finger when tapping, and uses her middle finger to popping.

Believe me, these ladies make sure you don't get bored with their music anytime soon. The creativity they put into one song is something others can't achieve in a complete album. :) To bring in some variety, I recommend the songs 'Wonderland', 'Real Existence' and of course 'Onset', which is an absolute must for an instrumentalist. 【 'Our rock never dies ever. Forever!' - Band-Maid 】🕊️

Thanks; appreciate the analysis. Kanami rules!

For some reason, song writers seem to appreciate band-maid the most, and appreciate Kanami who's often outshined by Misa and Akane. Each member adds a lot to their songs, and they are made for this band. 😍

Band Maid fans are called Maidiacs. Great react. Long Live the PO!

Band-Maid owns Kanami. But other girls bands don't have Kanami. This is the biggest difference.

So glad, so happy and so appreciative that you're finally getting into the band that has changed music for me, forever. Being a musician, I think you'll really enjoy and understand what these ladies are all about. Thanks for the reaction, Wave 🌊👍🔥🤘. Next on my wish list is see you cover one of BAND-MAIDs instrumentals. 🎸🥁🎌🎵

I love that you can relate to the musicianship of this phenomenal band. Your details are enjoyable. There are very few KZfaqrs that can do this. Thank you so much for this and I'll be waiting for the next Band-Maid. It will be very hard to find a bad song by them.

Cool reaction bro, can tell you know your stuff musically. Glad you liked these ladies, supremely talented. Keep 'em coming!!

They have some of the best change ups and you never know where they are going to go when you first hear them! Like a roller coaster and you can't see the turn coming up. They are also the Queens of the sudden slow down to then back to break neck fast. The slow down just before going over the edge. Check out the MV Different too.

Kanamincho is a riff donator. She has so many that she gives away some of them on each song to our ears, so she makes sure every verse sounds different. Mincho-san cares about us maidiacs, be like Mincho-san

BAND-MAID seems to be poppy enough to attract the attention of the average music listener but at the same time their complexity and musical talent catches the attention of true Musicians....

MISA will tuck her pick under her index finger to start slapping. She switches so fast it's hard to see even when the camera is on her hands.

I thank you so much for complementing Kanami, the guitarist and the main composer of the band. Many funs seems to appreciate song writing ability of Kanami but I think much more attention is always gathered around flashy aspects of Misa the bass player and Akane. I don’t mean to down play Misa and Akane well even complex tapping scales used by Kanami, but, the Kanami’s idea for backing riffs are, I think just out of the world. And I was really glad to hear that from someone who hasn’t listen much of their songs yet.

Band-Maid, five Japanese ladies that are phenomenal! Great musicians at every instrument!

Another excellent breakdown and reaction. My only criticism is this: I want MORE!

Having played in several failed garage cover bands …. The thing I’m most jealous of watching these girls is their comradeship and just how much fun they’re having on stage.

If you look hard enough, there is an instrumental version of this song floating out there on the interwebz. What's cool about it is you get to hear all of the craziness that is going on under the vocals. This song works just as well as an instrumental. And yeah Kanami (lead guitar) uses a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier.

they were so talented and they never overseen by many because of the pop and rap music ...kanami is thier song writer so she has this a library of guitar riff lick and even different style she incorporate it

Just a heads up! All their newer uploads have *English subtitles* ...chur.

Yep, Misa plays both with a pick and fingers. She hides the pick with her ring or middle finger against her palm when slapping or fingering.

Here's a sentence for you: The way they always change things up within the song, never repeating verse structure, and use 4 or 5 different riff, break, bridge and run ideas where each one could be the bases for its own song... all wrapped around a memorable chorus and multiple solos by different members while Saiki's vocals focus the experience into a cohesive force with Miku's lyrics and backups, makes Kanami and the gang genius songwriters -- and Kanami maybe even a musical savant. Thx Wave Potter!

As many mentioned, MISA tucks her pick in her hand and I can’t remember all the videos where the camera clearly shows it but off the top of my head I think you can see it in the solo of the live “domination” video which is usually a highly requested song anyway.

All about this band spins around songwriting. They are the most original and versatile rock composers nowadays. You would have to go back decades to find a band that risks so much and offers so much in each song. Thanks!. Excellent job.

Great reaction..!! When you watch "Onset" live.. during the bass solo there is an excellent view of MISA doing her disappearing pick trick.. it's awesome..!!

A miracle band that only happened once in a while.. kudos to the wise ancient 811 years old pigeon

Kanami! Right side lead guitar and composer.

Miku used the "Lu" 12 times during "No God". Lucky she didn't go for a Po!😮

BM members do a great job of doing things to enhance the song.

8:00 MISA can hold the pick with the index finger in a split second and then slap the bass and back to picking. She doesn't throw the pick on the floor like other bass players, but keeps it in her hand. P.S. you can watch it very good in their DOMINATION live video index time: 2 min and 31 sec

thank you for all of your musical insights and information in this reaction ! don't miss the live versions of Domination, or Onset !

Wave returned! Right on! I had worried that we Maidiacs turned you off last time. So glad you dug us. Love your sharing your technical expertise with us in your take of that song. Definitely a unique reaction we hadn't heard. For more MISA bass work, try the official live versions of "Thrill", "Onset", and "Play".

The lady on the right is the composer of the band. While on the solo Misa (bass) didnt finger pick, she actually picked, she can switch from picking to slapping quickly by clamping the pick with her index i suppose

Misa ,the bassit hides the pick in his index finger

You sure can't accuse Band Maid of being lazy. Nothing is the same in any one song. They change constantly, keeping the listener on their toes for sure. I LOVE the progressions too, very subtle. Love how you break down Akane's drumming. Great react, Thanks. You nailed every high point of Band Maid in your wrap up....you're on it!

You need to watch OnSet. It's an amazing instrumental.

Mr Wave Potter. Remember how you told me you'd write a intro for me in the style of B-M & dedicate it to me on your next B-M reaction?🙄. Thx for that, looking forward to it :)

MISA MISA MISA!

This is a face melter... I gotta see that guitar lick again. This is such a cool riff... This is a different riff than the first verse isn't it? 5:54 the gears are spinning... There's so much going on here.. What a change up! Does she have a pick now? That's a versatile bassist right there. Even down to the songwriting, so creative. Mad respect for this band.

I recommend Onset, Onset, Onset, and more Onset. It is a live instrumental track that is beloved by all Band Maid fans.

This is a better mix for hearing both guitars than the studio recording. Their live mixing is tops. This tune live lets you hear lead guitarist Kanami (our right, on PRS) clearer, and she is the one who at some points is playing harmony with Saiki's lead vocals while her protege Miku (toward left, on Zemaitis) is doing power chords. Miku picked up a guitar for the first time 8 years ago, and between Kanami's coaching and her own hard work has become a fine second guitarist. She always wanted to rock and here she is doing it at a high level. The more complex work is pretty consistently going to be Kanami though. Suggestion: go to the PRS guitars site and look up their INTERNATIONAL featured guitarists list (they have separate lists for domestic and international artists) and look for Kanami Tono. She's there. Likewise, go to the Zemaitis site and look down the main page of featured "Players" and there in the middle with a photo is Miku Kobato, with one of her dozen or so Zemaitis collection, this one being the spectacular mother-of-pearl inlay top model. Her flying V was made in the Zemaitis custom shop to fit her and became serial #1 Vee with all the others being copies or variations of that one. Besides her own signature "Flappy Pigeon" model she co-designed the top of. Point being, Kanami and Miku are recognized as international guitarists fast gaining in popularity, and guitar companies are proud to have them representing. Okay I kinda took a side trip away from who was playing what, but don't want to delete it either so here it is.

Can't tell you anything about Band Maid that the comments below didn't cover. So I'll tell you something about yourself. You've been infected brother. They've got you. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Are Over Ladies are benevolent and extremely cute. World Domination is assured. Best rock and roll band on the planet! Keep Rocking Brother!😊😎🤘

Wen Misa i slapping she palms her pick with the...err...pointing finger (English?!) and pops with the middle finger. It's a pretty common technique but I've never seen anyone do it as seamless as she does. If you look at the solo again she switches between slap and pick absolutely seamless.

What you pointed out about Kanami playing a harmony to Saiki's vocals reminded me of something I saw a long time ago... at Disneyland. Okay you know how they have different musical acts around the park, right? In one part I came across this jazz trio of alto sax, upright bass and guitar. They were, of course, fantastic, but there was one particular thing that has stuck with me all this time. For just one bar, the guitarist switched from chords to single notes to follow the sax up the melody in unisons. It was so smooth and fit so well, it just really hit home for some reason. I've always thought of it when coming up with song arrangements since then. Of course I only play by myself these days and I'm terrible at recording, so I've never gotten to actually try it out, but one day! One day it will happen. Thanks for reminding me of that and for another great reaction. :)

MISA!!! MISA!!!! MISA!!!! 🥃🥃🥃 you play B-M and the Band-Maidiacs or Maidiacs will show their support for or favorite Hard Rocking Maids. B-M does not do your typical "cut and paste " type of music. MISA has her technique and does slap 'n picking within the same song. I like your breakdown analysis. 2 down and 100+ more songs to go 🤙🏼😉

You should check out Blooming next?

MISA holds her pick between her thumb and finger, in the web of skin there, and swaps it out faster than light. Just for a moment, forget they're all female and forget they're dressed as maids. Two members (MISA - Bass, Akane - Drums) are classically trained pianists and musicians who studied at the Tokyo Academy of Music while Kanami, the lead guitarist, has also been playing piano since the age of 3 or 4 but is concert standard (almost unbelievably, given her skills, she only switched to guitar about 10 years ago!) They all have superb musical ability as well as passion, a lack of ego and the drive to play real, in your face, Rock which is why they are THE best live Rock band on Earth right now. OK, now that's explained, you can go back and marvel at how cute those outfits look and how incredibly beautiful all the band members are. The only band I've seen that is playing live like bands I went to see in the 70's, such as Led Zeppelin or Sabbath or Zappa. Music they write themselves, real guitars, drums and bass played loudly and with passion as well as powerful Rock vocals. They are all really close friends and know how to have fun together on stage, confident as they are in each others’ abilities and skills. They've revived the classic Rock sound and given the genre a much needed kick in the ass, as Babymetal have done for Metal. Future reactions I'd recommend, as they really shine brightest live, would be from the DVD they released in April 2020. FREEDOM: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fK6gqKiisqfHdJs.html , PLAY: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/abKoi8KlmdzLZ4k.html , CHOOSE ME: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fsmhnNeTvc3Nl4k.html , DOMINATION: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8iphKZ705zWiZs.html and WONDERLAND: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rpqYq6-WrcjViqM.html , though they have superb music videos too, especially interesting being their last 6 or so released over the past 6 months and on their YT channel.

The talent of Band Maid is one of the reasons why I wonder why there is popularity in the garbage that some radio stations play. Band Maid's music blows those garbage bands out of the water...great reaction and thanks for the musical insight.

Their 1st verse is different from the 2nd verse...in every songs, that's Band Maid trademarks. Another good detailed reaction dude👍

Just a heads-up, man. Quite a few of the newer band maid vids have English subs, if it says English without the (auto generated) bit next to it it's professional subs and not the shit Google translate ones.

More Band-Maid is always awesome. Subbed due to your last vid on them and looking forward to more. All their tracks are amazing. It just comes down to which ones speak loudest to you. It's really hard to find now but if you can hunt down the acoustic version of Puzzle it is a delight.

Wow, was this your first BAND-MAID reaction? Historical stuff!

Misa (bass) usually picks. She can switch between from picking to slapping within a miliisecond. She tucks the pick between her index and palm and slaps with her thumb and middle and fourth fingers. She never drops her pick.

Hey Mr Potter. Me thinks you're travelling up a very interesting path here. Your ability to look/hear a music video and break it down is undoubtedly bringing the fans of the bands in. Please bring in the new bands slowly (as you put it, try not to flood the scene). Where this path takes you, this should be very interesting. Here's to your success brought about by your sharp mind and hard work! 🐫

I just watched the blu-ray of this concert...freakin awesome. You'll love the B-M journey...see their early blow-up MV 'Thrill' to see how far they've come.

I dream of the day when MISA asks me if I want to play a game of hide the pick 😇

STELLAR reaction/commentary. Subbed, you were up there with the best even before you talked about the sound of a Hofner with a pick. And I think the clips of you doing stuff that is clearly related to what you're reacting to is cool. I'm a mediocre musician, but I kinda like the Dunning-Kruger types in the comments because they remind me that at least I'm not living in some egotistical fantasyland completely detached from reality : )

First reaction video I ever liked. Good job.

The MV's are just as enjoyable to watch. This band has one awesome song after another! Just wait man!

A true super group!!!! The most beautiful, amazing and creative band on the planet!!!

Rewatching from a while ago. There is a song where MISA.....TAPS!!!! THE!!!! BASE!!!!!!! Not slapping, but tapping. Ive NEVER heard anyone else do that ever in a performance.

Thay have instrumentals of many of their songs from their DVDs. Most can be found on Bilibili. Enjoy!

@5:28 'this is a different riff from the first verse, isn't it?' -- yes. and that's just one of the ingredients in their songwriting template. you'd be surprised at how the rhythm section also utilizes that approach. on MISA -- afaik she's the only bassist who can switch between picking and slapping in the blink of an eye.

Kanami’s magic is that she composes as a composer rather than a guitar player. She does the vocal melody drum and bass also (with assists from others) which is why she can weave instruments and voice together as a cohesive whole. She is literally the mad genius behind BAND-MAID. I fully expect her to do film scoring at some point.

Bro, next Band, TRiDENT-Japan songs Voltage, No Regret, watch Junna the drummer before she left the band, you already react to her cover drum video before..... :)

How many bands can claim to have arguably the best (at the time) drummer, guitarist & bassist all at the same time?

Lisa can hold to pick between her fingers and then tuck it play play slap bade with the other three. Not sure if that's what she does here keep an eye on her you'll see her do it

Such a cool band-that song reminds me of No Doubt. If Gwen was singing in Japanese, she would sound similar. Wave- you are a phenomenal talent. You should consider being a teacher. If School of Rock gets a reboot you would be perfect for the Jack Black role.

I see that in the past you've reacted to children playing the drums. My recommendation along those lines is to react to Paulina Villareal when she was ten years old and playing Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You." The song choice isn't exactly my cup of tea, but Pau's playing is definitely worth a watch. She's 18 now, I believe, and plays with her sisters in a band called The Warning, but this is a good place to start. Here's a link. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g7txm7lpsJPaY3U.html

Misa has an unusual fingering style where she palms the pick and uses alternative fingers to strum. Much smarter people than I have gone into this in more depth.

Heeheehee..."I LOVE BREAD"....WOW...lol...hello left-field...that was good...

Miku🐦Miku🐦Miku🐦❤️ LU LU LU×2❤️P O❗️

it's Band Maid.. u don't joke about them... hahaaha

My top songs in the new album are Giovanni, Honkai, Manners and Black Hole

🤘🇹🇭

Everybody recommends Freedom because of the drum solo, but I don't think that song comes close to showcasing how talented these girls are. You have a fun journey ahead of you. This is the best band in the world right now IMO.

Wave listen to No God instrumental and all your questions will be answered!👍😉

Next band maid thrill official video Aor baby metal rondo of nightmare live And listen at the opening 😀

Mincho!!!!

Dynamic. That is all.

More on MISA hybrid picking on www.reddit.com/r/BandMaid/comments/ny260k/misas_interview_partial_and_hybrid_picking_demo/

BRIDEAR ‐ Ghoul [Official music video] kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z9SlpcuduJaUh4k.html

nxt try nemophila bro

You should definitely check out Tokyo Groove Yjoshi ! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nZpmp7uI3drXlo0.html

Some people love this song. Some of us; not so much. Many of the newest songs are very polarizing.

So many........ cuts😨